Eminem’s first-ever film 8 Mile, is still a work in progress, but that didn’t stop a Toronto Film Festival audience from cheering the unfinished flick at a special presentation on Sunday night.
Hollywood actress Sharon Stone and Batman Forever director Joel Schumacher were among the viewers at the sold-out screening, during which the audience reportedly burst into ovations during a rapping showdown sequence and a scene where Eminem defends a gay co-worker.
8 Mile director Curtis Hanson, who directed and co-wrote the acclaimed 1997 film LA Confidential was also at the debut. The movie, which features the Slim Shady star as a factory worker who aspires to be a rapper, reunites Hanson with LA Confidential Oscar winner Kim Basinger, who plays Eminem’s alcoholic mum. Neither of the film’s stars, however, attended the debut of the drama, which is still in the process of being edited for a November 2002 US release.
Other Toronto screenings this week include the world premiere of John Cusack’s latest effort, the Adolf Hitler drama Max, and Robert Duvall’s fourth directorial venture, Assassination Tango, a special presentation at the festival.
The 71-year-old actor also stars in the thriller, which takes place in the world of Argentinian dance. And Robert, who has tangoed for 15 years, says that despite his experience, the sultry dance’s native country provides some tough critics. “You go to Argentina and it’s a vicious world – nobody likes anybody’s dancing down there,” he joked. “They’re worse than actors, they criticise this, and this. I could never do (tango) professionally. Maybe as a young man.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
